Indiana lawmakers considering bill legalizing magic mushrooms for research

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Magic mushrooms are not typically two words heard coming from lawmakers, but that's not the story in Indiana. Lawmakers aren't looking to legalize mushrooms for recreational use, but, to allow them to be used for research.

Mushrooms have shown promise in treating mental illness and addiction. Indiana is one of the first states to support psilocybin research with legislation. The FDA designated psilocybin as a breakthrough therapy, which essentially means the race is on to get a treatment into hands of patients.

“Psilocybin therapy had about 60 percent or better of patients can completely turn that around so they are no longer classified as depressed anymore after a single treatment,” said Dr. David Nichols, Emeritus Professor at Purdue University.

Currently, it is illegal to have magic mushrooms in Indiana, as possession alone can land you in jail for 60 days along with a $500 fine. However, Indiana lawmakers will allow you to donate money to magic mushroom research.

“So these universities and medical schools realize this is the wave of the future and everybody is doing this and they don't want to be left behind,” said Dr. Nichols.

Psilocybin, the ingredient that puts magic in magic mushrooms, has long been touted as a treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD and alcohol addiction. According to the National Institute of health, psilocybin alters a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions.

“For a long time, the government agencies wouldn't fund it because it was so controversial but now there is enough a signal and big-name psychiatry departments promoting this is the new thing ..this stuff really works," said Dr. Nichols.

In treatment of mental health disorders, a medical professional would act as a guide.

“So, the idea if a psychedelic treating a brain disorder is no way new per se but this has been catching on particularly in the field of post traumatic stress disorder,” Purdue Professor Julia Chester said.

The research is coming in quickly. The veteran's administration is conducting clinical studies using psilocybin to treat PTSD. John Hopkins Medicine is reporting that the drug shows promise for a wide range of mental health disorders and addictions.

Dr. Nichols is asking people to trust the research.

“It is safe, it is different, and people are just afraid of the unknown," Dr. Nichols said.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has not signed the bill into law.